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BMThiker · 06-02-09, 04:05 PM

I went to Windrock/Coal Creek with the ACC guys back in Feb. There are a ton of trails that you could not ever cover in one weekend - which is a good thing. This place would be great if you had experienced trail leaders or we put out the word that you explore on your own terms. We bounded around a trail that apparently dead ended and was not indicated as such on the map. It was a good day of wheeling, but my time was short there and I was hoping to cover more area than the small section we accomplished. We spent the better part of the day winching several J**ps over a couple rocks only to discover we had to turn back around at the unmarked deadend and winch them back. Now that was just one trail and just my bad luck that day. (rant over) I really do want to go back.

Mike and Brian (ACC) took the more difficult trails and had a blast beating up their junk on Rattle Can Rock. So those looking for gnarly Guard Rail/Helicopter Pad/Upper 2 type stuff will be pleased.

There are a couple things of significance about this place. One is that there are two campgrounds that go by the same name "Windrock". "Coal Creek" is the official name of the OHV Park. The older, smaller campground, just NE of the town of Oliver, is the only one that allows alcohol. Don't know how many tent pads or RV pads they have. We stayed in a cute little unheated, unlit, unpowered cabin for the low low price of $50 (confirmed). The larger and newer campground is closer to the trails (we're only talking a diff of 3-4 miles or so) but has apparently strict no alcohol policy.

The second thing is that Trail Access is $17 per person, per day. Not per vehicle, but driver and all passengers. Each person is given an armband and they do have patrolling enforcement. Somebody is making a killing up there, and it ain't from the coal mining or the wind farm.

Distance is another factor to consider. I realize that nothing is going to replace Tellico (Keep up the fight!), but this drive was +4 hours from ATL in my FJC. Not sure how far that will be for you UC folks, LcLC folks, and even our FL Boys. The route there is almost to Knoxville and then some small winding roads to get into town.

pictures uploaded here:
http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...eek%202009-02/

I'm up for where ever we decide, but just wanted to put some first hand (noob) knowledge on the table.

06-02-09, 04:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
BMThiker I aim to misbehave. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlanta TLCA# 16667 Posts: 1,197	I went to Windrock/Coal Creek with the ACC guys back in Feb. There are a ton of trails that you could not ever cover in one weekend - which is a good thing. This place would be great if you had experienced trail leaders or we put out the word that you explore on your own terms. We bounded around a trail that apparently dead ended and was not indicated as such on the map. It was a good day of wheeling, but my time was short there and I was hoping to cover more area than the small section we accomplished. We spent the better part of the day winching several Jps over a couple rocks only to discover we had to turn back around at the unmarked deadend and winch them back. Now that was just one trail and just my bad luck that day. (rant over) I really do want to go back. Mike and Brian (ACC) took the more difficult trails and had a blast beating up their junk on Rattle Can Rock. So those looking for gnarly Guard Rail/Helicopter Pad/Upper 2 type stuff will be pleased. There are a couple things of significance about this place. One is that there are two campgrounds that go by the same name "Windrock". "Coal Creek" is the official name of the OHV Park. The older, smaller campground, just NE of the town of Oliver, is the only one that allows alcohol. Don't know how many tent pads or RV pads they have. We stayed in a cute little unheated, unlit, unpowered cabin for the low low price of $50 (confirmed). The larger and newer campground is closer to the trails (we're only talking a diff of 3-4 miles or so) but has apparently strict no alcohol policy. The second thing is that Trail Access is $17 per person, per day. Not per vehicle, but driver and all passengers. Each person is given an armband and they do have patrolling enforcement. Somebody is making a killing up there, and it ain't from the coal mining or the wind farm. Distance is another factor to consider. I realize that nothing is going to replace Tellico (Keep up the fight!), but this drive was +4 hours from ATL in my FJC. Not sure how far that will be for you UC folks, LcLC folks, and even our FL Boys. The route there is almost to Knoxville and then some small winding roads to get into town. pictures uploaded here: http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...eek%202009-02/ I'm up for where ever we decide, but just wanted to put some first hand (noob) knowledge on the table. __________________ Rick 07 FJCruiser aka "Dig-Dug"** lifted, locked, armored, pressurized, chilled & rolling Upstate Cruisers Events Officer Last edited by BMThiker; 07-09-09 at 11:48 AM.